What causes a car's steering wheel to be stiff?
2 Answers
The reasons for a car's steering wheel being stiff are: 1. The valve in the steering gear gets stuck when turning; 2. Insufficient tire pressure; 3. The brake light control wiring harness comes loose, causing wires to wrap around the steering column when turning; 4. The bearings are too tightly fitted; 5. Malfunctions in the steering gear or power steering pump. The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, and airplanes. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a frame, foam padding, and the driver's airbag. The steering wheel is connected to the steering shaft via splines and can be categorized into single-spoke, dual-spoke, three-spoke, and four-spoke designs. Cars typically use three-spoke or four-spoke steering wheels.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and have encountered the issue of stiff steering wheel several times. The most common cause is problems with the power steering system. For hydraulic power steering, it could be due to insufficient power steering fluid or a leaking hose. Nowadays, with electric power steering, it might be an issue with the motor module acting up. Underinflated tires are also a hidden culprit, especially when the front tire pressure is low—turning the steering wheel feels like pushing a millstone. Once, my steering wheel suddenly became heavy, and it turned out the steering shaft universal joint was rusted and stuck. It's good practice to avoid puddles and rough roads to prevent mud and water from causing rust in the steering components. If you hear squeaking sounds when turning at low speeds, it's almost certainly a problem with the steering gear, and you should address it promptly before it becomes increasingly difficult to drive.
